Grove City College offers one of the nation’s best early childhood education programs, according to Study.com.
The College’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major was identified as the number two program in the United States by the education and test prep website, which looked at statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and examined unique programs, features and learning experiences offered at America’s non-profit public and private colleges and universities.
The 50 schools on the list offer exceptional programs that prepare students for state certification and “blow away the competition in terms of field hours, student organizations, classes, financial aid and more without breaking the bank,” Study.com reports. The rankings “emphasize accessibility, affordability and quality of education,” according to the website.
“Being ranked the number two program in the country is a great thrill, but the real victory is the work that our students do after graduation. Our purpose is to lift up humanity through teaching, and our most meaningful measure of success is the impact that our graduates have as they serve communities all over the world as teachers,” Dr. Constance Nichols ’93, professor and chair of the Department of Education, said.
Study.com identified a number of Grove City College’s strengths, including community service projects, staff resources, career development, a curriculum library that’s “at the top of the charts” and opportunities to participate in research projects. Nichols noted the contribution of faculty and a large network of mentor teachers that deliver outstanding content to students and serve as role models of “what a purpose driven career in teaching looks like.”
The College’s Education department also operates the Early Education Center, a full-service preschool that just marked its 30th anniversary and offers students majoring in elementary and special education practical experience with over 70 students and families from the local community.
“We're proud of our comprehensive approach to preparing teachers,” Nichols said. “Our field experiences begin freshman year and continue throughout all four years, spiraling in intensity and duration as our students progress in their studies. The high number of field experiences our students engage in help them to understand how to deepen their craft and connect theory and practice. As such the student teaching experience they get in senior year is an exclamation point to their studies, and not a question mark.”
“While we're pleased with this recognition, we are never done improving our programing,” she added.